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Pokémon Champions launched on Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2026, and is also compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. The battle-focused game is free to start; Nintendo says a free Switch 2 update improves its visuals. It is a digital game, not a confirmed physical cartridge release.
Platforms and availability
Nintendo announced the Switch release for April 8, 2026, and its store listing gives the same date. Nintendo later confirmed that the game can be played on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Switch 2 is supported, with a free update that provides visual improvements.
![Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Xn3ESPD6L._SL160_.jpg)
Sources: Nintendo’s April 6, 2026 announcement; Nintendo’s US product listing; Nintendo’s May 2026 investor presentation.
What kind of game is Pokémon Champions?
Champions is focused on Pokémon battles. Nintendo lists Ranked, Casual and Private Battles, and describes familiar battle elements including Pokémon types, Abilities, moves and Mega Evolution. Players can recruit and train Pokémon. Ranked battles award Victory Points according to match outcomes; Private Battles support online or local wireless play. These are Nintendo’s listed features, not a guarantee about competitive balance or performance.
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- Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack
Source: Nintendo’s US product listing.
Is Pokémon Champions free?
The game is free to start, with optional in-game purchases. Nintendo Support lists a Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack bundle for purchase through the eShop on Switch and Switch 2. It includes space for 50 additional Pokémon, 30 Teammate Tickets, 50 Training Tickets and a song from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! Nintendo also identifies a Premium Battle Pass and paid membership as in-game purchases. Prices can vary by region and are not specified here.
Source: Nintendo Support: DLC available for Pokémon Champions.
Rank #2
- Take the battle anywhere and challenge anyone with Pokkn Tournament DX, an intense one-on-one Pokmon fighting game on Nintendo Switch
- Let the fighting commence in TV mode, handheld mode or share a Joy-Con controller with another trainer to battle one-on-one in tabletop mode anywhere
- Decidueye enters the battle as a new fighter with litten and popplio making their debut to lend their support in battle
- Compete in team battle mode, group match mode and daily challenges to prove youre the utmost fighter
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Can you use Pokémon from Pokémon HOME?
Some eligible Pokémon from earlier games and Pokémon GO can be brought into Champions through Pokémon HOME. Eligibility is limited: only Pokémon that can appear in Champions may be transferred, so not every Pokémon in a HOME account can be used. Pokémon first obtained in Champions cannot be sent to HOME.
Sources: Nintendo’s US product listing; The Pokémon Company’s February 27, 2026 press release.
Rank #3
- Revisit the Sinnoh region from the original Pokémon Pearl Version game and set off to try and become the Champion of the Pokémon League
- The Pokémon Shining Pearl game brings new life to this remade classic with added features
- Explore the Grand Underground to dig up items and Pokémon Fossils, build a Secret Base, and more.
- Test your style and rhythm in a Super Contest Show
- A reimagined adventure, now for the Nintendo Switch system
Internet, account and update requirements
Nintendo’s US listing says online features require Internet access and a Nintendo Account. Nintendo Support says you must apply the game’s update to use its Internet features. The latest version shown in the reviewed update history is 1.2.2, released October 6, 2026, with bug fixes. Because updates can change, check Nintendo Support for the current version before troubleshooting or playing online.
Nintendo’s UK listing says broadband Internet is required for online services and that the software does not support Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud backup. That cloud-save detail is specific to the UK listing.
Rank #4
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one!
Sources: Nintendo’s US product listing; Nintendo Support: How to update Pokémon Champions; Nintendo UK product listing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
